title: Chair-based exercises for frail older people: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Frail older people are often unable to undertake high-intensity exercise programmes. Chair-based exercises (CBEs) are used as an alternative, for which health benefits are uncertain.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effects of CBE programmes for frail older people through a systematic review of existing literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic search was performed for CBE-controlled trials in frail populations aged ≥65 years published between 1990 and February 2011 in electronic databases. Quality was assessed using the Jadad method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The search identified 164 references: with 42 duplicates removed, 122 reviewed, 116 excluded, and 6 analysed. 26 outcome measures were reported measuring 3 domains: mobility and function, cardiorespiratory fitness, mental health. All studies were of low methodological quality (Jadad score ≤2; possible range 0-5). Two studies showed no benefit, and four reported some evidence of benefit in all three domains. No harmful effects were reported; compliance was generally good.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The quality of the evidence base for CBEs is low with inconclusive findings to clearly inform practice. A consensus is required on the definition and purpose of CBEs. Large well-designed randomised controlled trials to test the effectiveness of CBE are justified.
authors.affiliation: Falls and Bone Health Service, Nottingham CityCare Partnership, Newbrook House, 385 Alfreton Road, Nottingham NG7 5LR, UK.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Anthony
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Philippa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Logan
authors.forename: Adam L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: Rowan H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Harwood
authors.forename: Tahir
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Masud
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans